Archive for January, 2012

Times Square in NYC doesn’t have anything on the Craigmeur Ski Club on New Year’s Eve. This year’s celebration was complete with the “ball” dropping from high atop the Craigmeur Lodge. Although we could have wished for a little more snow, the rain held off for our kid-friendly midnight party; bringing in the New Year with fun, laughter, and high hopes for the winter season.

Our “Fire Pit”, located in the parking lot, provided us with a warm atmosphere, and a place for our families to gather round. The one thing about our Club, the kids make our get together’s fun. In addition to the Fire Pit, Airman Frank set off his famous flying lanterns, way up into the sky. A thousand feet overhead, the fire flew towards planets unknown. Seeing fire in the sky, and on the ground, our neighbors came from across the street and joined us for our New Year’s celebration.

At about 10 seconds before midnight, the countdown began, and way, way, way up on the lodge room, the ball dropped to signify the beginning of what we hope will be a blessed year!

Happy New Year ! Hard to believe 2011 is over and we have begun 2012 ! The weather conditions have been a challenge to say the least but Vermont resorts are open and welcoming skier & boarders to the slopes. Let’s all do our favorite snow dance or pagan sacrifice to encourage Mother Nature to bring winter back in full force.

Here is a truly inspiring story that is happening right in Craigmeur’s neighborhood:

If you attended the 2011 Jamboree, you may have met Staci Mannella. Staci is a partially-sighted alpine skier who lives in Randolph, NJ and she is working towards qualifying as a team member of the US Para-Olympics Alpine Ski Team for the 2014 Winter Olympic in Sochi Russia. Read more about Staci here Staci Mannella and learn how to donate & help her reach her goal of attending the 2014 Para-Olympics here. Staci Mannella donations

We are all familiar with the inconveniences caused by Hurricane Irene back in September. Unfortunately many of our Vermont hosts suffered severe devastation to their homes and businesses and many are still working to recover. Money spent by our club members while visiting Vermont go a long way towards helping the recovery. Not everyone impacted in Vermont directly benefits from our dollars spent there. To provide help to those in Vermont who still need it, NJSC has created a fund to collect money & provide direct aid to those still in need. Please see the attached flyer. PLEASE MAKE A DIRECT DONATION IF YOU CAN AFFORD TO. Skiers & Boarders CARE

If you are interested in learning more about NJSC, are curious as to how it functions, or you would like to volunteer some time, please seek me out at any regular club meeting & I will be happy to discuss it with you. Ken Fox has volunteered to assist me with NJSC administrative and voucher functions as his time permits. I am looking for a regular apprentice to learn the ropes, who can fill in when I have other obligations. Of course, everyone is welcome to help out.

NJSC Guidebook has been published and I have secured a few more copies at the January 2012 meeting. If you would like a copy, please ask me at any regular meeting.

Our club listing page has also been up-dated to reflect the most current contact information. Please take a look and advise if any changes need to be made.

NJSC membership stickers for the 2011-2012 season have been delivered to Craigmeur’s membership chair and will be placed on the back of your Craigmeur membership card when you renew your dues. Show this sticker to retailers / resorts / restuarants in ski country or anywhere else you patronize to let them know you are a member of NJSC and would like to enjoy any discounts they offer to NJSC members.

When patronizing retailers / resorts / restuarants in ski country or anywhere else, remember to show your Club membership card with the NJSC member sticker to inquire about discounts and deals. Also check the new NJSC web site for additional point of sale discounts under the “Membership Direct” heading.

Be sure to visit the NJSC web site often – http://newjerseyskicouncil.org – for news / discounts / events.

Points of interest this month:

ASIA / PSIA participation

Amatuer Ski Instructors of America / Professional Ski Instructors of America – if you want to improve your skiing skills, these programs are all highly recommended. Follow the link to the flyer and print a copy for your reference. Further information can be found on the NJSC web site. 2011-2012 NJSC ASIA

TRIPS:

NJSC – Park City, Utah – Saturday Feb 25 to Saturday Mar 03, 2012 – follow the link to the flyer. There are various levels of lodging options so be sure to review the flyer thoroughly. If you are interested, sign up soon. Initial deposit & second payment are due. 2012 NJSC ParkCity info

NJSC – Sunday River, Maine – Sunday February 29 to Friday March 03, 2012 – follow the link to the flyer. Great east coast resort with seven contiguous peaks, slope side lodging and daily lessons. It’s a great deal with many extras. 2012 Sunday River FLYER

NJSC – Mont Tremblant, Canada – Sunday March 25 2012 to Friday March 30, 2012 – follow the link to the flyer. Great Canadian resort with a European feel. Various lodging options are available. 2012 NJSC Tremblant info

VOUCHER DISCOUNTS:

Kids Ski Free programs – follow the link to the flyer – offers vary for fourth thru seventh graders. Each state has unique requirements. Follow the links in each flyer for add’l info. KIDS SKI FOR FREE PROGRAMS